A lack of decorum
Props go to Seattle Times reporter and blogger David Postman for being the first to report the petulance of mama's boy Republican Washington House Rep Dan. Roach, with a fine rhetorical title on his blog.
Roach brought shame to the Legislature by attacking House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler and her husband, a noted Seattle attorney.
The AP account of the story is now circulating in regional newspapers (e.g. here & here) and was a lead story on KING 5 news at 11 pm.
Postman's blog stands out for following up and learning the really craven nature of Roach's attack, including the lack of sincerity in his apology.
The sheer audacity of Roach to attack a family was beyond the pale. Roach, son of Sen. Pam Roach, comes from a family that would be much more vulnerable to personal attacks -- e.g. here & here & here & here & here.
You can find plenty more in the public arena with a few simple archive searches. Those in Olympia know quite a bit more about Pam & Dan (and their families and friends). Little of it is flattering.
Kessler, on the other hand, is a hard-worker, respected leader and very civil to her colleagues, whether opposition or friend. She's also serves a district that elects Republicans and works from a very pragmatic view to accomplish sound policy decisions in Olympia.
To those who know the personalities of the Legislature, it's all the more shocking that she was the target for a personal attack -- even by someone as ineffectual and poorly regarded as Rep. Roach.
Rep. Roach attempts to excuse his actions because he said his voice was not being heard in Olympia. Well, that makes the solution simple. He needs to step aside and let someone with the policy chops and personal maturity finish his term.
Go home to Lake Tapps and you can practice sound effects - as is your wont - making the sound of bong hits with your brother or discuss woman-on-woman wrestling with your mom- as is hers.
Respect your constituents, the legislative process and the diminishing number of Republicans who believe in civil discourse and resign your seat. You have made yourself an embarassment to the institution in which you very ineffectively serve.
Roach brought shame to the Legislature by attacking House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler and her husband, a noted Seattle attorney.
The AP account of the story is now circulating in regional newspapers (e.g. here & here) and was a lead story on KING 5 news at 11 pm.
Postman's blog stands out for following up and learning the really craven nature of Roach's attack, including the lack of sincerity in his apology.
The sheer audacity of Roach to attack a family was beyond the pale. Roach, son of Sen. Pam Roach, comes from a family that would be much more vulnerable to personal attacks -- e.g. here & here & here & here & here.
You can find plenty more in the public arena with a few simple archive searches. Those in Olympia know quite a bit more about Pam & Dan (and their families and friends). Little of it is flattering.
Kessler, on the other hand, is a hard-worker, respected leader and very civil to her colleagues, whether opposition or friend. She's also serves a district that elects Republicans and works from a very pragmatic view to accomplish sound policy decisions in Olympia.
To those who know the personalities of the Legislature, it's all the more shocking that she was the target for a personal attack -- even by someone as ineffectual and poorly regarded as Rep. Roach.
Rep. Roach attempts to excuse his actions because he said his voice was not being heard in Olympia. Well, that makes the solution simple. He needs to step aside and let someone with the policy chops and personal maturity finish his term.
Go home to Lake Tapps and you can practice sound effects - as is your wont - making the sound of bong hits with your brother or discuss woman-on-woman wrestling with your mom- as is hers.
Respect your constituents, the legislative process and the diminishing number of Republicans who believe in civil discourse and resign your seat. You have made yourself an embarassment to the institution in which you very ineffectively serve.
